Coughing up blood is a serious sign that should not be overlooked. It can reveal severe illness and requires immediate medical attention.

Hemoptysis is the process of coughing up blood or blood-stained mucus when coughing. It is a serious sign, which reveals the existence of a severe disease of the respiratory tract and requires to consult a doctor as soon as possible. In other words, it’s an emergency!

Depending on the origin of the hemoptysis, the blood may come from the larynx, pharynx, trachea or bronchi.

The blood is usually combined with mucus and appears bright red.

Please note, it is important to note that hemoptysis should not be confused with bleeding from the mouth or digestive tract, the causes and consequences of which are different.

There are many potential reasons for hemoptysis. Some of the main causes include:

• bronchitis (acute bronchitis or chronic), which is the most common cause. In this case, there is no vital risk;
• bronchiectasis (ie an abnormal widening of the airways, this is quite rare);
• un lung cancer or the presence of non-malignant (ie benign) lung tumors;
• taking anticoagulant therapy;
• a pneumonia ;
• a pulmonary embolism ;
• congestive heart failure;
• tuberculosis;
• inflammatory or autoimmune diseases such as: lupus, Wegener’s granulomatosis, or even Churg-Strauss syndrome;
• malformations of the pulmonary veins or arteries;
• the consumption of tobacco and other drugs by the airways (crack, cocaine, use of water pipes);
• various trauma, such as a fall, a car accident, the aspiration of food or the consequences of a bronchoscopy;
• cystic fibrosis, also called cystic fibrosis (a genetic disease that primarily targets the respiratory tract and digestive system).

The outlook for hemoptysis depends on the underlying causes causing the bleeding. But the main risk, if this symptom is neglected, is that the disease that is causing it will progress and worsen.

Note, however, that people with severe hemoptysis can die. There may be a risk of suffocation in the event of very heavy bleeding.

This is why it is necessary to consult a doctor, who can rely on a clinical examination to make a diagnosis. He may also order an x-ray of the lungs and a blood test to complete his assessment.

Treatment for hemoptysis depends on its cause. But there are still ways to stop the bleeding, for example using vasoconstrictor drugs.

If the bleeding comes from a lung or bronchi, “embolized bronchial arteriography” may be necessary. In this case, specialists enter through the femoral artery to the bronchial arteries to visualize the origin of the bleeding and stop it by plugging the lesion. Stopping bleeding can also be done by bronchoscopy by placing a prosthesis in the responsible blood vessel or by laser cauterizing.

Cough medicine (cough suppressants) can help if the problem is from a heavy cough.

In more severe cases, the disease causing hemoptysis may require surgery to remove an entire lung (pneumonectomy) or a lobe (lobectomy).